Registered Nurse Salary in South Carolina 2026

Last reviewed · Methodology

The median annual wage for a registered nurse in South Carolina is $73,160 (mean $81,651). After federal, South Carolina state, and FICA taxes, take-home pay is approximately $56,640/year ($4,720/month).

Median Annual

$73,160

in South Carolina

Mean Annual

$81,651

vs. $96,060 national

Take-Home / yr

$56,640

after all 2026 taxes

Effective Tax

22.6%

federal + state + FICA

Run the full calculator with this occupation's median salary pre-loaded for South Carolina.

Open Calculator →

South Carolina vs. national registered nurse wages

MetricSouth CarolinaNationalDifference
Median annual wage$73,160$86,070-15%
Mean annual wage$81,651$96,060-15%
Take-home (single filer)$56,640after all 2026 taxes

South Carolina median derived from BLS OEWS May 2024 national figure adjusted by state wage pattern.

Take-home breakdown for $73,160 in South Carolina

Annual deductions

Federal income tax
−$7,265
South Carolina state income tax
−$3,658
FICA (SS + Medicare)
−$5,597
Total taxes
−$16,520

Your paycheck

Annual net
$56,640
Monthly net
$4,720
Bi-weekly net
$2,178
Hourly equivalent
$27.23/hr

Assumes single filer, no pre-tax deductions, standard deduction, 2026 IRS brackets. Use the full calculator for filing-status adjustments, 401(k) contributions, and other pre-tax items.

About this occupation

Provides and coordinates patient care, educates patients and the public about health conditions, and provides emotional support to patients and families.

Outlook (2023-2033)

+6% (2023-2033, faster than average)

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) and RN licensure

BLS SOC Code

29-1141

Frequently asked questions

How much do registered nurses make in in South Carolina in 2026?

The national median annual wage for RNs was $86,070 in May 2024 (BLS OEWS). With 2026 tax rules, take-home pay on a $86,070 salary runs roughly $66,000-$72,000 depending on state — California and Hawaii are outliers on the high end ($130K+ median).

Which states pay registered nurses the most?

California ($137K median), Hawaii ($128K), Oregon ($110K), Massachusetts ($105K), Washington ($100K), and New York ($100K) lead the country. High wages reflect strong union presence (CA) and high cost-of-living.

Do states without income tax pay nurses less?

Texas, Florida, Washington, and Tennessee are no-state-income-tax states, but their RN wages ($75K-$80K median) are only slightly below national median. The lower tax burden partly offsets the lower gross pay — and cost-of-living in most of these states is also lower than CA/NY.

Is nursing a good career in 2026?

Yes. BLS projects 6% employment growth through 2033 (faster than average), with persistent demand from an aging population. RN remains one of the most stable, recession-resistant healthcare careers.

What is the take-home pay on a $73,160 registered nurse salary in South Carolina?

On a $73,160 registered nurse salary in South Carolina, take-home pay is approximately $56,640/year ($4,720/month, $2,178/bi-weekly). That accounts for $7,265 in federal income tax, 3,658 in South Carolina state income tax, and $5,597 in FICA. The effective tax rate is 22.6%.

Highest-paying states for Registered Nurses

Related occupations in South Carolina

Want to model your own salary?

Open the Registered Nurse + South Carolina combo in the full calculator. Pre-filled with $73,160. Adjust filing status, 401(k), and other deductions.

Open Calculator →